SAAM SMIT Towage Canada purchases two world-class escort tugs

SAAM SMIT Towage Canada (SST Canada) is excited to announce its purchase of two new world-class escort tugs, the SST Orca and SST Grizzly, both scheduled to arrive in Vancouver by mid-November.

These two new, locally designed tugboats will become the most capable escort tugs on the B.C. coast. Measuring 32 metres long and with 84 tonnes of static bollard pull, each tug will have the ability to safely produce steering forces of up to 82 tonnes and braking forces of up to 130 tonnes. By increasing towing and escort capability, these tugs will allow SST Canada to increase marine safety and the protection of the environment through the safe passage of vessels.

“SST Canada’s investment in these escort tugs demonstrates a commitment to serving deep sea vessels calling B.C. ports and projects that may come online over the next few years, particularly in the oil and gas sectors,” said Capt. Mark Bingham, Vice President, Operations of SST Canada. “The addition of these two tugs expands our fleet to 25 vessels and brings our total investment to nearly $100 million since 2014.”

These RAstar 3200 tugs, designed by renowned Vancouver-based naval architects and marine engineers, Robert Allan Ltd., will serve the south coast of B.C. and will further expand SST Canada’s fleet to provide safe and efficient services in all B.C. locations.

“B.C. Coast Pilots is excited to have these proven, powerful escort-rated tugs deployed on the south coast of B.C.,” said Capt. Roy Haakonson, President of B.C. Coast Pilots. “These new tugs will significantly expand escort capacity and further advance the protection of our pristine environment.”

The SST Orca and SST Grizzly are classed by Lloyds Register and will be put into service shortly after their arrival in Vancouver.